Water Heater RepairâHow to Flush Your Tank

You might be concerned about your water heater. For the past few months, you have noticed that there just doesn’t seem to be as much hot water as there once was. Water heaters are hardy fixtures that will normally last a very long time. However, like anything mechanical, it will wear out. The best action to take is preventive maintenance to prolong its life. Here are some maintenance tips to help you out.

How to Flush a Water Heater Tank

Sediment, and sometimes hard water deposits build up in your water heater tank. These deposits will drastically reduce the efficiency of your system. If left unchecked, they will eventually cause malfunction in the system, which may require a new installation. To avoid that problem and prolong the life of your water heater, simply flush the tank every few years. Here are the steps to take:

Hook a hose to the drain valve located at the base of the heater tank.

Shut off the water supply to the tank. If you have an electric heater, turn off the power to the system.

Open a hot water faucet in a bathroom nearby. Open the drain valve and allow the water to run into a safe place where the hot water will not damage property.

When the tank is empty, you will need to turn on the water supply to flush any remaining particles out of the tank.

Turn the power back on. Turn off the faucet and close the drain valve. Fill the tank.

When the tank is full, wait approximately thirty minutes and then test the hot water.

When you flush your water heater, it is a good idea to replace your tank anode rod. This device keeps your tank from corroding during normal use and helps you avoid a costly water heater repair . If you find any complicated issues with your water heater, be sure to call your Roto-Rooter service center as soon as possible.